East Bethel City Council to discuss mayor's future

January 4, 2014 - 7:58 PM

The East Bethel City Council will debate the future of the city’s mayor Wednesday night after his residency was called into question.

Mayor Richard Lawrence lost his East Bethel home to foreclosure in October. He said his permanent residence now is a 28-foot RV parked at an East Bethel seasonal campground that is closed for the winter. Lawrence and his wife, Sharon, are living in Isanti until the campground reopens.

At a December meeting, the City Council deadlocked 2-2 on the question of whether Lawrence is still a city resident and should remain in office. The mayor did not vote on the issue.

Lawrence, 60, said he will not resign. He said a series of health issues hurt the Lawrences’ family-owned machine shop, triggering financial troubles.

The mayor’s residency will be discussed at the regularly scheduled City Council meeting. It starts at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 2241 221st Av. NE.